Thursday, February 28, 2013

Cherrapunji (currently the historical name Sohra is more commonly used)is a town in the East Khasi Hills district in the Indian state of Meghalaya. It is credited as being the second wettest place on Earth. However, nearby Mawsynram currently holds that record. Though, it still holds the world record for the most rainfall in a calendar month and in a year. It received 9,300 mm (366 in) in July 1861 and 26,461 mm (1,041.75 in) between 1 August 1860 and 31 July 1861.

In August we were home for vacations and this time we were all excited to be going to Cherrapunjee a 99 km from Guwahati (Assam)to Shillong(Mehalaya) and another 50 km to Cherra.Shillongis the capital of Meghalaya,and is situated at an average altitude of 4,908 feet (1,496 m) above sea level, with the highest point being Shillong Peak at 6,449 feet (1,966 m). It is said that the rolling hills around the town reminded the European settlers of Scotland. Hence, Shillong is known as "Scotland of the East."

We started out at about 9 a.m from Guwahati, harldly we drove for about an hour before we had a flat tyre and it took us a good hour and a half to get it fixed and get going again. A few shots on our way...
some blue skies...some black clouds...some rains...some fog...

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Umiam Lake, also known as Barapani (Big Water) is a spot around 15 Km before reaching Shillong where a massive hydro-electric dam has been constructed across the Umiam river stream.

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a bit of sunshine here and there...

As we approach the bridge we are engulfed by the fog...

Was really curious to see what lies beyond the winding road....

This is a waterfall but we just missed it as the fog reached before us...

We finally reach Cherrapunjee at about 4p.m and our first waterfall sighting...a little far off...

View of distant Sylhet plains of neighbouring country Bangladesh...

As we approach the resort the sun and fog greet us:)

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We finally reach the resort, instead of checking in first after our long and tiring drive we were busy watching this beautiful sunset.Only after it set did we check-in...